Free Guide to Fishing at Mullett Lake Michigan

Understanding Mullett Lake and Its Fishing Environment

Mullett Lake is Michigan's second-largest inland lake, located in the northern Lower Peninsula near Cheboygan. The lake covers approximately 22,400 acres and reaches depths of up to 185 feet, making it a significant freshwater fishing destination. The lake's size and depth create diverse fish habitats that support multiple species throughout the year.

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The lake's geography features several distinct zones that matter for fishing. The southern portion tends to be shallower with more vegetation, while the northern end includes deeper basins and rocky structures. The eastern and western shorelines offer different bottom compositions—sand, silt, and rock—each attracting different fish species at different times. Understanding these variations helps you determine where to fish based on the species you're targeting and the season.

Mullett Lake connects to Burt Lake through a channel, and this connection influences water temperature, fish movement, and seasonal patterns. The lake's cold-water characteristics support species like lake trout and walleye throughout the year. Summer water temperatures typically peak in the mid-70s Fahrenheit, while winter ice cover can reach 12-18 inches thick by January.

The lake's history as a commercial and recreational fishing destination spans over a century. Historical records show that lake trout were native to Mullett Lake, though populations declined significantly in the mid-20th century due to sea lamprey predation and overfishing. Restoration efforts beginning in the 1970s have rebuilt populations through stocking programs managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Practical Takeaway: Learning about Mullett Lake's size, depth zones, and seasonal temperature patterns helps you choose appropriate techniques and locations. Visit the Michigan DNR website or local fishing shops for current maps showing structure, depth contours, and access points around the lake.

Fish Species Found in Mullett Lake

Mullett Lake supports a diverse population of fish species, with lake trout, walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass being the primary species anglers pursue. Each species has different habitat preferences, feeding patterns, and seasonal behaviors that influence fishing success throughout the year.

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Lake trout are the signature species in Mullett Lake and prefer deep, cold water. These fish are typically found at depths of 40-150 feet during summer months when surface waters warm. Lake trout in Mullett Lake average 2-4 pounds, though fish exceeding 10 pounds are caught regularly. The Michigan DNR stocks approximately 60,000-80,000 lake trout annually in the lake to maintain populations. These fish spawn in fall on rocky reefs and deep drop-offs, making autumn an excellent season for targeting them. Lake trout are bottom feeders that consume smaller fish, making live bait and jigging effective techniques.

Walleye populations in Mullett Lake have grown significantly over the past two decades. These fish exhibit unique light-sensitive vision that makes them more active during low-light conditions—early morning, evening, and overcast days. Walleye typically congregate near structure such as rock piles, weed edges, and depth transitions. Summer walleye fishing often occurs 15-30 feet deep, while spring and fall may find them in shallower water from 8-20 feet. The average walleye in Mullett Lake weighs 1-3 pounds.

Northern pike in Mullett Lake tend toward larger sizes, with many fish exceeding 30 inches. Pike prefer shallow vegetated areas and shoreline structure. They are most active during spring and fall when water temperatures are moderate. Summer pike fishing can be productive early in the morning or late in the evening when they move to deeper water to avoid the warmest conditions. Smallmouth bass populations have expanded in recent years and are found throughout the lake, typically in areas with rock structure or moderate vegetation.

The lake also contains bluegill, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, and whitefish. While these panfish species don't require special techniques, they provide good opportunities for family fishing and can be caught year-round in shallow water.

Practical Takeaway: Identify which species you want to target before fishing. Research their preferred depth, habitat type, and seasonal location. For current information about fish populations and typical sizes, contact the Cheboygan area Michigan DNR field office or local bait and tackle shops.

Regulations, Licenses, and Fishing Seasons

Michigan requires all individuals 17 years old and older to possess a valid fishing license before fishing in Mullett Lake or any other Michigan waters. The Michigan DNR issues several license types to accommodate different fishing preferences and frequencies. A resident annual fishing license costs approximately $26 and is valid from March 1 through February 28 of the following year. Non-residents can purchase a license valid for 7 consecutive days (approximately $16) or an annual license (approximately $76). One-day licenses are available for approximately $10.

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Licenses can be obtained through the Michigan DNR website, authorized retailers throughout Michigan, or by telephone. The online system generates a license immediately, allowing you to fish the same day. Paper licenses arrive by mail within 5-7 business days if ordered by phone. Children under 17 do not require a license but must follow all size and possession limit regulations when fishing. A supervising adult must be present, and that adult must possess a valid license.

Michigan imposes specific regulations on fish species in Mullett Lake to maintain sustainable populations. Lake trout have a minimum size limit of 15 inches with a daily possession limit of 5 fish. Walleye have a minimum size of 15 inches with a daily limit of 5 fish. Northern pike must be at least 24 inches long with a limit of 1 fish per day. Smallmouth bass require a 12-inch minimum with a 5-fish daily limit. These regulations change periodically based on fish population assessments, so confirming current rules before fishing is important.

Mullett Lake offers year-round fishing opportunities. Winter ice fishing typically runs from December through March when the lake freezes sufficiently for safe travel. Spring fishing (April-May) coincides with spawning movements when fish move to shallower water. Summer fishing (June-August) requires adjusting techniques to deeper water as temperatures warm. Fall fishing (September-November) is often considered peak season when fish feed actively before winter.

Specific regulations govern fishing methods. Live bait, artificial lures, and fly fishing are all permitted. However, night fishing has specific rules, and certain equipment like multiple lines may require additional licensing. The Michigan fishing regulations booklet contains complete details on methods, seasons, and special restrictions.

Practical Takeaway: Obtain your license before planning a fishing trip. Visit michigan.gov/dnr or call 1-866-GO-FISH-1 to purchase a license and download the current fishing regulations. Keep the regulations with you while fishing to confirm daily limits and size requirements for each species.

Access Points, Launch Facilities, and Best Fishing Locations

Mullett Lake has multiple public access points and launch facilities around its 60-mile shoreline, making it accessible to anglers with different preferences and equipment. The largest and most developed access point is the Mullett Lake State Forest Campground near the southern end of the lake near Onaway. This facility offers a paved boat launch, parking for approximately 75 vehicles, and restroom facilities. The launch fee is approximately $7 per day, with annual passes available.

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Cheboygan State Park, located at the northern tip of Mullett Lake where it connects to Burt Lake, provides another significant access point. This facility includes a protected harbor, launch ramp, fuel dock, and more extensive amenities including camping. Day-use fees apply, typically around $11 per vehicle. The protected harbor at Cheboygan State Park is particularly valuable during windy conditions when exposed water becomes rough.

Wellington State Forest provides access on the eastern shore near the village of Brutus. This facility has a single-lane launch and parking area but fewer amenities than the larger sites. Several smaller access areas exist around the lake managed by the Michigan DNR and local municipalities, though these typically offer only basic facilities.

Within Mullett Lake, certain locations consistently produce fish catches. The rocky reefs on the northern end near Cheboygan State Park hold lake trout year-round and are particularly productive during fall spawning season (September-October). The eastern shoreline near Brutus features extended shallow flats